Campground #4, Lebanon, MO

For Missouri residents who cherish a more rustic and immersive camping experience within the natural beauty of our state parks, Campground #4 at Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon, MO, offers a compelling choice. This particular campground provides a unique blend of essential amenities and a deeply wooded, natural setting, making it an ideal destination for those looking to truly unwind amidst the Ozarks. It’s a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the simple pleasures of camping are at the forefront, offering a refreshing escape from the daily grind.

Campground #4 is part of the larger, renowned Bennett Spring State Park, nationally famous for its crystal-clear spring-fed waters and world-class trout fishing. This specific campground section is known for its well-spaced, paved pads and abundant tree cover, providing a sense of privacy and natural immersion that many campers seek. While it offers electric hookups for convenience, it maintains a more traditional camping feel by not providing water directly at each site, encouraging a connection with the park’s communal hydrants and facilities.

For locals across Missouri, understanding the distinct character of each campground within our state parks is key to finding their perfect outdoor retreat. Campground #4 appeals to those who appreciate a beautiful forest environment and the simplicity of camping, perhaps even those who have fond memories of past stays and the friendly service of dedicated camp hosts. It’s a testament to the diverse offerings of Missouri's state park system, providing a unique blend of accessibility to natural wonders and a peaceful, wooded camping experience.

Location and Accessibility

Campground #4 is located within Bennett Spring State Park, addressed as Lebanon, MO 65536, USA. Bennett Spring State Park is one of Missouri's most cherished natural attractions, famous for its clear spring-fed waters and excellent trout fishing. The park is easily accessible from various parts of Missouri, primarily via State Highway 64, which leads directly to the park entrances.

Within the expansive park, Campground #4 is specifically situated to offer a deeply wooded environment. While not directly detailed, state park campgrounds are typically well-signed, guiding visitors efficiently to their designated areas. The paved pads at the campsites suggest well-maintained internal roads within the campground itself, accommodating various types of vehicles, including RVs and trailers.

Its location within a popular state park means that while campers enjoy a natural and often secluded experience at their site, they are also within convenient proximity to park amenities. This includes access to the spring, fishing areas, hiking trails, and potentially a park store or visitor center. The balance of being immersed in a beautiful forest while having access to park facilities makes Campground #4 an appealing choice for those seeking both tranquility and recreational opportunities in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks.

Services Offered

Campground #4 at Bennett Spring State Park offers a set of services designed to support a rustic yet comfortable camping experience. Based on customer reviews, the primary services and amenities include:

Electric Hookups: Campsites are equipped with electric hookups, providing power for RVs and other camping needs, which is a significant convenience for many campers.
Paved Pads: The campsites feature paved pads, offering a level and stable surface for parking RVs or setting up tents, enhancing comfort and accessibility.
Well-Spaced Sites: Campsites are noted for being well-spaced, contributing to a sense of privacy and reducing noise between neighboring campers.
Communal Water Access: While individual water hookups are not at each site, water is available via hydrants, ensuring campers have access to fresh water within the campground.
Restroom Facilities: Access to public restroom facilities is provided. It's noted that the cleanliness of these facilities can vary ("pretty gross during our stay" in one review), which is a point for consideration.
Trash Disposal: Dumpsters are available for trash disposal, though one review noted "trash bags sat by the dumpster," suggesting that maintenance can sometimes be an issue.
Camp Host Presence: The presence of camp hosts (e.g., "Joe and Paula M. were the best camp host ever!") indicates on-site support and assistance for campers, contributing to a welcoming environment.

Prospective campers should be aware of the communal nature of water access and consider the feedback on restroom cleanliness when planning their visit.

Features / Highlights

Campground #4 at Bennett Spring State Park offers several distinctive features and highlights that appeal to campers seeking a particular type of outdoor experience. These aspects contribute to its unique character:

Beautiful Wooded Setting: A primary highlight is the campground's deeply wooded environment, providing shade, natural beauty, and a true immersion in the forest, which is ideal for a classic camping feel.
Proximity to Bennett Spring: Being part of Bennett Spring State Park means immediate access to one of Missouri's most famous trout fishing streams, as well as hiking trails and the park's natural spring.
Spacious & Private Sites: The "well spaced" campsites offer a greater sense of privacy compared to more densely packed campgrounds, allowing campers to enjoy their natural surroundings.
Electric Convenience with Rustic Feel: The provision of electric hookups adds modern convenience without detracting from the overall rustic and natural ambiance of the campground.
Positive Camp Host Experiences: The glowing review for camp hosts Joe and Paula M. suggests that friendly and helpful on-site staff can significantly enhance the camping experience, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
Paved Pads for Easy Setup: The paved pads are a practical benefit, offering a stable and level surface for RVs and tents, making setup easier.

It is important to acknowledge that reviews also point to potential issues such as "noisy neighbors up until 1am," a "hatchery... still under construction," and cleanliness concerns in the women's bathroom. These are factors to consider for a comprehensive understanding of the campground's features.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a state park campground, Campground #4 at Bennett Spring State Park typically operates under a fixed rate structure set by Missouri State Parks. Promotional offers are less common compared to private campgrounds, but specific discounts or packages might occasionally be available through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources or the park itself. Interested campers should inquire about:

Senior Discounts: Often, state parks offer reduced rates for senior citizens.
Accessible Site Rates: Specific pricing for accessible campsites, if applicable.
Off-Season Rates: While less common for individual campgrounds, overall park visitation might influence availability or pricing during non-peak times.
Annual Pass Benefits: Information on whether a Missouri State Parks annual pass provides any camping benefits.

The most accurate and up-to-date information on rates and any potential savings can be found directly on the Missouri State Parks website or by contacting the Bennett Spring State Park office.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about specific campsite availability at Campground #4, or details about Bennett Spring State Park, you should contact the park office directly:

Address: Lebanon, MO 65536, USA (as the specific campground is part of the larger park)
Phone: (417) 532-4338 (This is the main phone number for Bennett Spring State Park, where Campground #4 is located.)

Calling the main park office is the most effective way to inquire about Campground #4's specific features, current conditions, and to make reservations. They can provide details on electric hookups, water hydrant locations, and general park rules.

Conclusion: Why Campground #4 is Suitable for Locals

For Missouri residents, Campground #4 at Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon offers a compelling option for an accessible and authentically rustic outdoor escape. Its location within one of Missouri's most beloved state parks means that locals have convenient access to world-class trout fishing, picturesque hiking trails, and the serene beauty of the spring-fed Niangua River without having to travel far from home. This campground's deeply wooded setting and well-spaced, paved sites with electric hookups provide a comfortable yet immersive camping experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate nature's tranquility combined with essential conveniences.

While some past reviews highlight potential areas for improvement regarding bathroom cleanliness and noise, the overall emphasis on a beautiful forest environment and the positive impact of dedicated camp hosts remain strong draws. For Missourians seeking a peaceful retreat where they can enjoy fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing by a campfire in a natural setting, Campground #4 at Bennett Spring State Park offers a prime opportunity. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories right here in the heart of our Show-Me State, supporting our valuable state park system in the process.